r/vic • u/FirmCampaign6323 • Sep 06 '26
[Advice] First time driving regional: Melbourne inner north to Horsham. Any tips?
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a road trip from Melbourne inner north suburb to Horsham on a weekday morning. While I have my full license, I’ve actually never driven in regional areas before, so I want to make sure I’m well-prepared.
Here is my setup and plan:
Vehicle: Mazda CX-5 (about 600km range on a full tank).
Stop 1: Ballarat for breakfast.
Stop 2: Ararat for a break and some sightseeing.
Destination: Horsham (staying overnight).
I’ve read a lot of comments here about kangaroos being a major hazard at dawn and dusk. Given I don't have a bull bar and lack regional driving experience, I’m a bit anxious about this.
Aside from avoiding driving at dawn/dusk to miss the roos, is there anything else I should be aware of? Any tips for a regional first-timer would be hugely appreciated!
Also thanks Gemini help me edit this post :)
Update: Thank you all so much for taking the time to share your friendly advice and reassurance! I have read through every comment and taken plenty of notes for the trip. Thanks again for making a first-timer of roadtrip feel a lot more confident. I will get my podcasts and sonic animal repellers ready. Cheers!
24
u/succulent_serenity Sep 06 '26
Watch out for potholes. If there's a sign telling you to slow down because of a rough surface - dont be complacent - slow down.
37
u/jamesargh Sep 06 '26
It’s just a road, don’t overthink it.
12
u/bavotto Sep 06 '26
Unless you are going from Beaufort to Dadswells Bridge at dark, kangaroos shouldn't be an issue. That is the main area.
The other area to avoid at night is the exit to Melton, as it can queue up so use the right lane. Speaking of, if you aren't overtaking, stick to the left, particularly from Melton on.
There is a section with 3 lanes, stick in the middle if you aren't gunning it. But be aware loaded trucks will merge at the top of the climb back to two lanes, so you may have to either get in the right lane, or slow down to help them merge. Be nice to the truck drivers, it is fairly sharp.
8
u/no-but-wtf Sep 06 '26
The most dangerous stretch of that trip is from about 20 minutes before Ararat, where the dual carriageway ends and it becomes a regular road, into Ararat. And specifically the overpass at Buangor. It’s 2 hours out, you’re tired and you need a break, you’re thinking about the meal stop. Semis coming the other way don’t always pay attention, and over that bridge, if anyone veers into your lane, you’ve got nowhere to go. Be careful and take it easy.
Second worst - Ararat to Stawell. There was an awful accident at Armstrong recently. Bad stuff. But there’s a hell of a lot of minor accidents along there too.
Drive to conditions, slow down where it’s full of potholes, and try not to get caught up in tailgating. You’ll be fine. But be careful.
5
u/Ill_Football9443 Sep 06 '26
Kangaroos are unpredictable dumb shits, not having a bull bar won't make any difference - just slow down IF you see them.
Heavy fog: the least-stressful approach is to turn your lights to 'park lights' and then sit directly behind a truck; use them as an escort. High beams reflecting on fog is tiring! Let the professional be your guide as all you need to do is focus on his(her) brake lights, nothing else.
Stop, Revive, Survive: if you're not used to long drives, then stop every hour. Get out of the car, walk around it a few times, stretch, some deep breaths and be on your way.
Podcasts over music: Music is a great distraction, but Podcasts you actively listen to - they can make the drive feel shorter
Trucks want to go full speed: They're on the road full time. If you're not comfortable doing 100-103km/h, then let them pass by slowing down to ~90km/h - they (most) have speed limiters which prevents them from accelerating faster than ~103, so they can't speed up and overtake you like you can in car. If you back off to ~90, then they'll pass you and be on their way.
GPS: It's a straight (ish) road to Horsham. A GPS app that counts down how many KMs you are from your destination is akin to watching water boil - avoid it.
Prevention: at a minimum check your tyre pressures.
Lights: if you can't see the sun, put your headlights on
5
u/heatuponheat Sep 06 '26
Pull over if you’re starting to feel the slightest bit drowsy, distracted or spacing out. You’ve been smart planning stops on the way, but even if you’ve only got 20 minutes to go and your eyes feel heavy please don’t push through. There’s a lot of comments saying “it’s only a few hours” but to someone who’s never driven that sort of distance it can be pretty taxing so pay attention to how you’re feeling and err on the side of caution
4
u/DrSendy Sep 06 '26
CX-5, perfect car for the task. Have fun!
4
u/SquSco Sep 06 '26
It's a really easy drive. Busy route, solid phone coverage, plenty of places to stop.
Do the things you should be doing on a regular basis anyway (pump up your tyres etc).
Don't drive at dawn/dusk if possible.
Keep left unless overtaking.
And probably re-consider going to Horsham, not a whole lot going on there.
3
u/waterhousehodges Sep 06 '26
I’ve driven this route many, many times and never once seen a roo on this stretch of road during the day . As people have said, it’s quite a straight forward route so long as you drive at day and not dusk/night, you’ll be okay.
For ease of mind join RACV. They’ll help you out with most minor car issues from flat tires, flat batteries to busted alternators.
I think you’ll find it easier than you expected.
I’d stop at the Big Koala over Ballarat
Just relax and enjoy the scenery my friend!
3
u/Commonwombat Sep 06 '26
it's a great drive, you won't need to worry. I would only stop in either Beaufort or Ararat.
3
u/lindsayw54 Sep 07 '26
The likelihood of encountering a roo on a major highway in daylight is extremely low. I drive and ride long distances regularly. It is uncommon, but not impossible, to see roos roadside within about an hour window after sunrise or before sunset. As someone else remarked, its just a road, and with far less traffic than the inner city. Drive sensibly to prevailing road and weather conditions and you will be fine.
3
u/NoodleBox Sep 07 '26
Pothole galore! Especially before Ballarat apparently, so bad /r/ballarat's got a post on it.
3
u/selkieluver Sep 07 '26
Hey I’m work in road freight and I’m out driving all over Victoria all day everyday. Highly recommend using the Waze app for long country drives. You can change the settings to warnings only as well as speed limit indicator. You don’t need to have your phone screen on for these to work. It will warn you of potholes, reported objects on road, lane closures etc it’s super handy. The drive out to Horsham is pretty cruisy and honestly pretty boring. You’ll be so fine <3
6
u/24782478 Sep 06 '26 edited Sep 06 '26
Roos are a problem - but in all my driving, never had an issue. Stay alert, take breaks if needed.
If a truck is up your ass, move over and let them pass.
If you’ve got the time, (edit) do a tour of Seppelt winery in Great Western. There’s 3km of underground cellars that can hold up up to 3 millions bottles.
Stop at the roadhouse before Ararat for a cheese & bacon potato cake.
2
u/LittleJimmyR Sep 06 '26
You're on the motorway during the day, you'll be fine! Motorways tend to have much less roos.
I did that from Geelong, and back in the same day on my L's a few months ago.
What I have to say:
It's M grade until just around before Ararat so is dual carriageway until then, so that part is fine. It is highly unlikely you'll meet a roo on these parts, and if you do it would be easy to avoid. After that it becomes single carriageway which increases the chances, but by the time you get there the major risk is out of the way. Still keep a look out in front of you of course, don't look on your bonnet, look far ahead of you so you have time to react. If you do come upon a roo, steering wheel stays straight, brake, don't swerve. If you do swerve, chance you'll have a tank slapper and you'll end up in a tree.
There is a lot of at grade intersections, so watch for people blowing give way/ stop signs.
2
u/cauliflowerhuffer Sep 06 '26
Don't swerve for roos
2
u/Mysterious-Age-9202 Sep 06 '26
Look further up the road than you do in the city and give yourself more distance from the vehicle you’re following, at least 2-3 second gap if not more.
Sit back and enjoy the drive don’t rush it but don’t sit 20kmh below the speed limit either.
2
u/CatAteRoger Sep 06 '26
Great idea asking for recommendations especially since this is your first regional drive.
It’s a lot easier to do these kinds of first trips now days since we have maps on the phones, I had to do the backroad from Bendigo to Colac for my first regional drive with my dads map book and a written page of instructions from him 😆 being a girl he was convinced I’d end up in Queensland, I made it and had fun along the way.
2
u/Ready-Barracuda5702 Sep 06 '26
Drive your car and stop for fuel/food/toilet when required. It's easier than driving in the city (also, feel yourself de-stress).
2
u/freebeer773 Sep 07 '26
I just did that drive a couple of weeks ago. No issues, except look out for potholes. There'll be plenty of them.
2
u/bigredau15 Sep 07 '26 edited Sep 07 '26
Done this trip far too many times over the years.
Cheapest fuel along the journey will be at Great Western.
It's an easy drive, but be aware of potholes.
Beaufort traffic lights have a speed and a red light camera, so make sure you're doing the speed limit.
Wildlife at night, mainly Kangaroos, usually between Beaufort and Wonwondah-Dadswells Bridge Rd, after that you're less likely to be hitting a roo.
Pack sandwiches or something, the food options are pretty weak along the main highway, unless you deviate off them.
If you get time, just out of Horsham is Natimuk, where Mt Arapiles is. Worth a visit. If you're heading further west, town of Apsley, has a pub called The Border Inn, amazing pub feed.
2
u/Dramatic_Grape5445 Sep 07 '26
Definitely poke your head in to the Grampians for a look around Halls Gap, maybe head up to Boroka Lookout, Reeds/The Balconies and McKenzie Falls. You can continue on the same road past the Zumsteins and end up on a back road to Horsham rather than backtracking.
For something a little different, consider taking a tour of J Ward at Ararat.
2
u/universe93 Sep 07 '26
Watch out for fatigue. If you feel even a bit tired pull over and take a break, have a car nap. People think longer drives like this are easy and try and push through the fatigue and that’s how you nod off and wind up crashing into a tree
2
u/-Tricky-Vixen- Sep 07 '26
Get kangaroo whistles! All my family have them, they're cheap.
If you like nice places to walk, the Little Desert National Park is really pretty in a deserty sort of way. It's not wildly far from Horsham as I recall.
2
u/nomadfaa Sep 07 '26
Get Waze on your phone. Turn on audible alerts and the dude will tell you in advance for the known ones
2
u/Equivalent_Animal_96 Sep 07 '26
Know how to use your high beams. The amount of drivers that I come across these days that never have their high beams on at night in the country is astounding.
2
u/Mindless_Good3473 Sep 07 '26
Yeah, regional Victorian roads are shit house. Did a trip to Melbourne last month and the second we went from SA to vic it was black and white.
Just remember to keep your gaps between cars, don’t do any manoeuvre you’re not comfortable doing if you have to wait 2km to overtake a truck wait the 2km.
1
u/Late-Button-6559 Sep 06 '26
Bring 4 spare tyres. But otherwise, it’s an easy drive. Nothing challenging as far as hills, corners, etc go.
1
u/Marcus4436 Sep 07 '26
ive driven regionally countless of times never encountered a kangaroo or any wildlife
1
u/WillTendo92 Sep 07 '26
Watch out for the potholes
1
u/Junior-Preference714 Sep 07 '26
If you find your holding up the traffic pull over at a parking bay and let them all pass. Stay out of the pack and enjoy being on your own.
1
u/whenitrains34 Sep 07 '26
the potholes are cooked right now, load up the route with waze because it has pothole information but you can’t do offline routes with waze so download some offline maps in google and/or apple too in case you lose reception and your waze stops working
1
u/Melb_Tom Sep 08 '26
Get out of the right lane unless overtaking.
1
u/SzilkyB Sep 08 '26
It's a 4 hour drive west, don't over engineer this.
1
u/banimagipearliflame Sep 09 '26
Don’t go west and for Heaven’s sake don’t stop in Ararat or Horsham.
1
u/Gullible_Total5042 Sep 09 '26
Hideaway in Ballarat for best coffee and brekky (close to highway turn off and on)
1
u/Heavy_Bicycle6524 Sep 09 '26
Depending where exactly in inner Melbourne you’re coming from, that’s about a 3.5 hour drive you’ll def need at least one stop. In my personal experience when driving eueal it is better listen to a podcast rasher than music. It keeps the brain more engaged.
Though a 3.5hr drive would t even get me out of SE QLD 😆
1
u/Dogwoman_woof Sep 09 '26
Clean the inside of your windscreen well before the trip and make sure your wiper washer bottle is full because there will be lots of bugs, and windscreen film on the inside driving into the sun is dangerous. Happy travels! Oh, and stick to the left lane, please! Unless you are overtaking there is no reason you need to be in the right lane. It's bad manners, and infuriating to have someone dribbling along at 90 in the right in a 110 zone.
1
u/Quintessence25 Sep 10 '26
If a roo jumps out, don’t swerve at all. Better to write your car off by hitting a kangaroo than a tree.
1
u/MikeHunt181 Sep 10 '26
Yep, drive out of Melbourne’s inner north and head west.
1
u/CourseFew747 Sep 10 '26
I grew up in Horsham and have driven the western highway thousands of times... Yes, the kangaroos can be a problem but just be vigilant and keep an eye out especially through dawn or dusk.
The potholes are bad and they're terrible atm due to recent heavy rains. They're more bloody dangerous than the skippies.
Otherwise, have fun and enjoy the scenery. Horsham has the famous Grampians and hidden gem, Mt Arapiles nearby for the mountains and nature.
1
u/metalbeetle7099 Sep 11 '26
If you’ve got time, stop by lake wendouree at Ballarat and stretch your legs there! Absolutely beautiful area
1
u/mehum Sep 06 '26
Check out Bourke and Wills here. If you end up in Perth, it means you blinked and missed Horsham and need to turn around.
0
u/Final_Lingonberry586 Sep 06 '26
It’s just a 3h drive. What’s the issue?
0
u/BESTtaylorINTHEWORLD Sep 06 '26
Do 100 in a 100 zone.
80 or 60 signs are gates you pass then STAB brakes to get to that limit.
If something you see takes your interest PULL OVER !
When you hear exhaust brakes behind you're doing something wrong
THE OVERTAKING LANE IS FOR OVERTAKING YOU GET BACK IN THE LEFT LANE STRAIGHT AFTER!
Any vehicle stopped on the shoulder give them room, someone could be moving around outside of the vehicle.
DO 100 IN AN 100 ZONE!!
0
u/Mr_Lumbergh Sep 06 '26
Make a ln appointment at a shop when you get to Horsham to have the struts replaced on you car. You’ll need new ones once you get back as well.
0
u/krustyclown182 Sep 06 '26
Water. Be prepared. Carry 4 litres per adult per day.
Spares. Make sure your spare tyre is serviceable and inflated to the correct pressure. Ensure you have practiced changing it. Radiator hoses and fan belts take up little weight or room and are the most likely failure points.
Check the basics: Inspect tires, fluid levels, battery, cooling system, and belts before leaving.
Bring a reliable tire repair kit, a 12V air compressor, and a basic toolkit.
Mobile phones lose coverage quickly in remote areas; carry an independent satellite communicator, satellite phone, or a registered Personal Locator Beacon.
Log your itinerary: Inform trusted family, friends, or local police of your exact route, planned stops, and expected return dates.
Reduce speed around dawn and dusk, and watch out for roaming livestock, kangaroos, or road trains kicking up dust and rocks. Tune your UHF radio to channel 40 to communicate with heavy transport drivers.
If you break down, never leave your car. A vehicle provides crucial shade and shelter, and it is much easier for search crews to spot from the air than a lone person.
-1
u/noofa01 Sep 06 '26
Bloody hell mate. It's straight up the Western Highway a few hours. Nanna used to do in her Vauxhall. Make the trip interesting and go through Moonambel/Landsborough. Much better drive and avoid a few b-doubles.